Abstract [en]

The purpose of our thesis was to examine citizens' attitude in a smaller city to new digital innovations, specifically autonomous vehicles and carpools, as well as opinions about citizens' participation.

Through a web-based questionnaire, which was distributed on social media, as well as a discussion group on Facebook, an understanding was formed about the human acceptance, motivation factors, views and mobility habits. This was then analyzed to create an understanding of how a citizen dialogue should be conducted in social media. In line with this, we examined whether connections regarding human acceptance of new digital innovations can be affected, depending on how the dialogue is conducted and how much information the citizens are provided with.

The result showed a clear relationship between knowledge and attitude, where a little knowledge created a more negative opinion. Other interesting discoveries that were identified, were that people see both problem areas and opportunities with a more digitized society. We also found how the respondents wanted increased participation, and that citizens' views are taken into account and have a clear impact on urban development.

Finally, we conclude that the degree of citizens' participation and how the dialogue is conducted, shape their acceptance and understanding of changes in society and mobility solutions. The research area on human acceptance, participation and dialogue on autonomous vehicles and carpools is an emerging area of research. This means that the essay is exploratory which can enable further and more in-depth research.